Tissue Fixation Device

ABSTRACT

A tissue fixation device includes an elongated body extending between a distal portion including a barbed loop, and a proximal portion including a blunt tip. The elongated body, proximal portion, and distal portion are provided in a variety of configurations depending upon the performance requirements desired of the tissue fixation device for the envisaged application of use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 61/691,915, filed Aug. 22, 2012, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to medical devices and methods of usingthe same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to surgicaldevices for tissue fixation.

2. Background of Related Art

Techniques for repairing damaged or diseased tissue are widespread inmedicine. Wound closure devices, such as sutures and staples, as well asother repair devices like mesh or patch reinforcements, are frequentlyused for repair. For example, in the case of hernias, a surgical mesh orpatch is commonly used to reinforce the abdominal wall. Typically,sutures, staples, and/or tacks are utilized to fix the surgical mesh orpatch to surrounding tissue.

The current standard of care for laparoscopic ventral hernia repair, forexample, involves the application of stay sutures that are placed boththrough a surgical mesh and trans-abdominally, and tied down justunderneath the skin. Permanent sutures are typically used for thisapplication. The sutures are placed around the perimeter of the mesh,and sometimes in the center to permanently tie the mesh to the area ofherniation and to prevent the mesh from sliding within the peritoneum.For each stay suture, a surgeon will pierce the abdominal wall with asuture passer and grasp one end of a suture that has been pre-placed onthe mesh, and pull the end of the suture through the abdominal wall andout past the skin. When the two ends of the suture are outside of thepatient, the surgeon will pull up on the mesh and tie down a knot in thesuture, compressing the abdominal wall and keeping the mesh tightagainst the peritoneum. The surgeon will then cut the excess suture andclose the skin over the knot. This process may take about a minute ortwo for each stay suture, and may be associated with acute and/orchronic pain, likely due to compression of the abdominal wall and thenerves within it.

It would be advantageous to provide a fixation device that simplifiesand shortens the time to secure a mesh, and limits or prevents paincaused by abdominal wall and nerve compression.

SUMMARY

A tissue fixation device includes an elongated body extending between adistal portion including a barbed loop, and a proximal portion includinga blunt tip. The elongated body, proximal portion, and distal portionare provided in a variety of configurations.

The elongated body may be formed from a single filament or multiplefilaments that may each be barbed or unbarbed, and arranged to intersector remain separate along a length thereof. The filament(s) may be formedfrom biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable polymeric and/or metallicmaterials.

The proximal portion may be an extension of the elongated body, or maybe provided in other configurations, such as a loop. The proximalportion is free of barbs and a needle. In embodiments, the proximalportion may include a cap. The cap may be magnetic or include a ringextending from a proximal end thereof to aid a clinician in placing thetissue fixation device within tissue. The proximal portion may alsoinclude indicia.

The distal portion may include a pledget. The pledget may be disposed ata distal-most end of the distal portion, or may include spaced openingsthrough which the loop of the distal portion may be laced through. Thepledget may include a biocompatible coating. In embodiments, the coatingis anti-adhesive, and in other embodiments, the coating may includesurface reactive functional groups. The pledget may also include barbsand/or darts to mechanically fix the pledget to tissue.

The barbed loop may be fixed to the elongated body, or may be slidablerelative thereto. In embodiments, the barbed loop includes a distalportion that is fixed to the elongated body and a proximal portiondefining an unfixed ring that is translatable along the elongated body.The barbed loop may be configured to move from a first position in whichthe barbed loop is expanded, and a second position in which the barbedloop is compressed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosureand, together with a general description of the disclosure given above,and the detailed description of the embodiment(s) given below, serve toexplain the principles of the disclosure, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a tissue fixation device in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 2A-2E are side views of various embodiments of a distal portion ofa tissue fixation device of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3C are schematic illustrations of an exemplary method of usinga tissue fixation device of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a tissue fixation device in accordance withanother embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are side views of a tissue fixation device in accordancewith yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A-6K are side views of various embodiments of body sections of atissue fixation device of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 7A-7E are side view of various embodiments of a proximal portionof a tissue fixation device of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A tissue fixation device and method of using the same are describedherein. While the present discussion and figures below depict exemplaryembodiments of the present disclosure in terms of a tissue fixationdevice for use in hernia repair, the presently disclosed devices may beutilized in any surgical procedure requiring joining or positioning oftissue, or fastening of surgical implants thereto.

A tissue fixation device in accordance with the present disclosureincludes an elongated body extending between a distal portion includinga barbed loop, and a proximal portion including a blunt tip. The tissuefixation device described herein may be formed from any sterilizablebiocompatible material that has suitable physical properties for theintended use of the device. The elongated body, distal portion, and/orproximal portion of the tissue fixation device may be fabricated fromany biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable polymeric and/or metallicmaterial that can be used in surgical procedures.

The term “biodegradable” as used herein is defined to include bothbioabsorbable and bioresorbable materials. By biodegradable, it is meantthat the material decomposes, or loses structural integrity under bodyconditions (e.g., enzymatic degradation or hydrolysis) or is broken down(physically or chemically) under physiologic conditions in the body suchthat the degradation products are excretable or absorbable by the body.Absorbable materials are absorbed by biological tissues and disappear invivo at the end of a given period, which can vary, for example, fromhours to several months, depending on the chemical nature of thematerial. It should be understood that such materials include natural,synthetic, bioabsorbable, and/or certain non-absorbable materials, aswell as combinations thereof.

Representative natural biodegradable polymers include: polysaccharidessuch as alginate, dextran, chitin, chitosan, hyaluronic acid, cellulose,collagen, gelatin, fucans, glycosaminoglycans, and chemical derivativesthereof (substitutions and/or additions of chemical groups include, forexample, alkyl, alkylene, amine, sulfate, hydroxylations,carboxylations, oxidations, and other modifications routinely made bythose skilled in the art); catgut; silk; linen; cotton; and proteinssuch as albumin, casein, zein, silk, soybean protein, and copolymers andblends thereof; alone or in combination with synthetic polymers.

Synthetically modified natural polymers include cellulose derivativessuch as alkyl celluloses, hydroxyalkyl celluloses, cellulose ethers,cellulose esters, nitrocelluloses, and chitosan. Examples of suitablecellulose derivatives include methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxybutylmethyl cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose propionate, celluloseacetate butyrate, cellulose acetate phthalate, carboxymethyl cellulose,cellulose triacetate, and cellulose sulfate sodium salt.

Representative synthetic biodegradable polymers include polyhydroxyacids prepared from lactone monomers such as glycolide, lactide,caprolactone, ε-caprolactone, valerolactone, and δ-valerolactone,carbonates (e.g., trimethylene carbonate, tetramethylene carbonate, andthe like), dioxanones (e.g., 1,4-dioxanone and p-dioxanone),1,dioxepanones (e.g., 1,4-dioxepan-2-one and 1,5-dioxepan-2-one), andcombinations thereof. Polymers formed therefrom include: polylactides;poly(lactic acid); polyglycolides; poly(glycolic acid);poly(trimethylene carbonate); poly(dioxanone); poly(hydroxybutyricacid); poly(hydroxyvaleric acid); poly(lactide-co-(ε-caprolactone-));poly(glycolide-co-(ε-caprolactone)); polycarbonates; poly(pseudo aminoacids); poly(amino acids); poly(hydroxyalkanoate)s such aspolyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyvalerate,poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate), polyhydroxyoctanoate, andpolyhydroxyhexanoate; polyalkylene oxalates; polyoxaesters;polyanhydrides; polyester anyhydrides; polyortho esters; and copolymers,block copolymers, homopolymers, blends, and combinations thereof.

Some non-limiting examples of suitable non-degradable materials include:polyolefins such as polyethylene (including ultra high molecular weightpolyethylene) and polypropylene including atactic, isotactic,syndiotactic, and blends thereof polyethylene glycols; polyethyleneoxides; polyisobutylene and ethylene-alpha olefin copolymers;fluorinated polyolefins such as fluoroethylenes, fluoropropylenes,fluoroPEGSs, and polytetrafluoroethylene; polyamides such as nylon,Nylon 6, Nylon 6,6, Nylon 6,10, Nylon 11, Nylon 12, and polycaprolactam;polyamines; polyimines; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate,polyethylene naphthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, andpolybutylene terephthalate; polyethers; polybutester; polytetramethyleneether glycol; 1,4-butanediol; polyurethanes; acrylic polymers;methacrylics; vinyl halide polymers such as polyvinyl chloride;polyvinyl alcohols; polyvinyl ethers such as polyvinyl methyl ether;polyvinylidene halides such as polyvinylidene fluoride andpolyvinylidene chloride; polychlorofluoroethylene; polyacrylonitrile;polyaryletherketones; polyvinyl ketones; polyvinyl aromatics such aspolystyrene; polyvinyl esters such as polyvinyl acetate;etheylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers; acrylonitrile-styrenecopolymers; ABS resins; ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers; alkyd resins;polycarbonates; polyoxymethylenes; polyphosphazine; polyimides; epoxyresins; aramids; rayon; rayon-triacetate; spandex; silicones; andcopolymers and combinations thereof.

In embodiments, the elongated body, distal portion, proximal portion, orportions thereof may be formed from polybutester, a copolymer ofbutylenes terephthalate and polytetramethylene ether glycol. Forexample, the tissue fixation device, or portions thereof, may be formedfrom the commercially available nonabsorbable polybutestermonofilaments, sold under the trade name Novafil™ by Covidien. In someembodiment, the tissue fixation device, or portions thereof, may beformed from a copolymer of glycolic acid and trimethylene carbonate,such as, for example, Maxon™, commercially available from Covidien. Inembodiments, the tissue fixation device, or portions thereof, may beformed from a terpolymer of glycolic acid, trimethylene carbonate, anddioxanone, such as, for example, Biosyn™, commercially available fromCovidien.

In embodiments, the tissue fixation device may include: metals such assteel or titanium; metal alloys including degradable alloys such asiron-based or magnesium-based degradable alloys; and the like.

The elongated body of the tissue fixation device described herein may beformed from monofilament or multi-filament structures that arefabricated from natural, synthetic, degradable, and/or non-degradablematerials, as well as combinations thereof, as described above. Theelongated body may be formed using any technique within the purview ofthose skilled in the art such as, for example, extrusion, molding,casting, and/or spinning. Where the elongated body is made of multiplefilaments, the elongate body may be formed using any known techniquesuch as, for example, braiding, weaving or knitting. The filaments mayalso be drawn, oriented, annealed, calendared, crinkled, twisted,commingled, or air entangled to form the elongated body.

In embodiments, the elongated body, or portions thereof, may be barbed.The barbs may be single or compound barbs formed along a portion or theentire length of the elongated body in specified or random patterns.Barbs may be formed from angled cuts in an outer surface of theelongated body, or barbs may be molded on the outer surface of theelongated body, such that an inner surface of the barb is positionedopposite to an outer surface of the elongated body. The barbs may all beoriented in the same or different directions, and may be cut at the sameor different barb angles. Compound barbs include an inner surfaceincluding at least two angled cuts disposed at first and secondorientations, respectively, relative to a longitudinal axis of theelongated body. Examples of compound barbs which may be utilized includethose disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0210006,entitled “Compound Barb Medical Device and Method”, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The surface area of the barbs may vary. For example, fuller-tipped barbscan be made of varying sizes designed for specific surgicalapplications. When joining fat and relatively soft tissues, large barbsmay be desired, whereas smaller barbs may be more suitable forcollagen-dense tissues. In some embodiments, a combination of large andsmall barbs on the same structure may be beneficial, for example, whenused in a tissue repair with differing tissue layer structures. Acombination of large and small barbs may be used within the same tissuefixation device such that the barb sizes are customized for each tissuelayer to ensure maximum holding properties.

The distal portion includes a barbed loop. The barbed loop may bepermanently or releasably secured to the elongated body by conventionmeans, such as, for example, ultrasonic welding or with the use ofadhesives, or may be integrally formed with the elongated body.Similarly, the proximal portion may be a component separate from, andjoined to, the elongated body, or monolithically formed with theelongated body. The proximal-most end of the proximal portion includes ablunted or unsharpened tip for atraumatic insertion into tissue. Thedistal and/or proximal portions may be formed from the same or differentmaterials than that of the elongated body.

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a tissue fixationdevice 100 of the present disclosure. Tissue fixation device 100includes an elongated body 110, a proximal portion 120, and a distalportion 130. The elongated body 110 extends between the proximal portion120 and the distal portion 130, and is illustrated as a solid structurethat is free of barbs. Although shown as having a substantially circularcross-sectional geometry, the elongated body portion may be any suitableshape, such as round, elliptical, square, flat, octagonal, andrectangular, among other geometric and non-geometric shapes. Inembodiments, the elongated body 110 may have a varying diameter, e.g.,the elongated body may have a smaller diameter at a proximal end thatgradually transitions to a larger diameter at a distal end.

Proximal portion 120 contiguously extends from the elongated body 110and terminates in a blunt tip 122. Distal portion 130 includes a loop132 having first and second segments 132 a and 132 b interconnected by aterminal end portion 132 c. The barbs 134 may be disposed on any portionof the loop 132, in embodiments, barbs 134 are disposed on at least theportion of the loop 132 closest to the elongated body 110. Asillustrated, barbs 134 are disposed on the first and second segments 132a and 132 b of the loop 132, and the terminal end portion 132 c is freeof barbs. In otherwords, the distal-most portion of the loop 132 c isunbarbed.

The distal portion of the tissue fixation device may be provided with apledget, such as those shown in FIGS. 2A-2E. A pledget may be formedfrom plastic, polymeric, or other biocompatible materials, includingnon-degradable and/or degradable materials as described above. Forexample, in embodiments in which the distal portion of the tissuefixation device is fabricated from a non-degradable material, anon-degradable pledget may be utilized, such as a pledget fabricatedfrom a silicone or fluorocarbon based material, likepolytetrafluoroethylene (e.g., TEFLON). Similarly, in some embodimentsin which the distal portion of the tissue fixation device is fabricatedfrom a biodegradable material, a biodegradable pledget may be utilized,such as a pledget fabricated from a copolymer of lactide and glycolide.

In embodiments, a pledget may include magnetic material to aid aclinician in positioning the pledget against tissue with the use of anexternal magnet. A pledget may be fabricated from an absorbable and/ornon-absorbable magnet material, such as a ferromagnetic metal. Suitablemetals include iron ore (magnetite or lodestone), cobalt and nickel,rare earth metals like gadolinium and dysprosium, and alloys thereof.The pledget may also be made from composite materials such as ceramic orferrite, alnico (a combination of aluminum, nickel and cobalt withiron), or triconal (a combination of titanium, cobalt, nickel andaluminum with iron). In some embodiments, a pledget may be formed from apolymeric material including ferromagnetic metal particles. The polymermay be any biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable polymer as describedabove. In embodiments, ferromagnetic metal particles may be freelyadmixed or co-extruded with the polymer forming the pledget, or may betethered to the polymer through any suitable chemical bond. In someembodiments, the ferromagnetic metal particles may be spray or dipcoated on a formed pledget.

A pledget 240 may be securely fastened to terminal end portion 232 c ofthe loop 232 of a distal portion 230, as illustrated in FIG. 2A, or mayinclude openings 342 that are dimensioned to allow passage of the firstand second segments 332 a and 332 b of loop 332 therethrough so that thepledget 340 may be positioned along any portion within loop 332 of thedistal portion 330, as illustrated in FIG. 2B.

In embodiments, a pledget may include a coating. The coating may beutilized to alter the physical properties on the surface of the pledget(e.g., enhance lubricity), or may provide a therapeutic benefit totissue. In general, a coating may be applied to a surface of thepledget, or selective regions thereof, by, for example, spraying,dipping, brushing, vapor deposition, co-extrusion, capillary wicking,film casting, molding, etc.

Therapeutic agents include any substance or mixture of substances thathave clinical use. Alternatively, a therapeutic agent could be any agentwhich provides a therapeutic or prophylactic effect; a compound thataffects or participates in tissue growth, cell growth and/or celldifferentiation; a compound that may be able to invoke or prevent abiological action such as an immune response; or a compound that couldplay any other role in one or more biological processes. A variety oftherapeutic agents may be coated on a pledget, or incorporated into thetissue fixation device of the present disclosure. Moreover, any agentwhich may enhance tissue repair, limit the risk of sepsis, and modulatethe mechanical properties of the tissue fixation device (e.g., theswelling rate in water, tensile strength, etc.) may be added to thematerial forming the tissue fixation device or may be coated thereon.

Examples of classes of therapeutic agents which may be utilized inaccordance with the present disclosure include antimicrobials,analgesics, antipyretics, anesthetics, antiepileptics, antihistamines,anti-inflammatories, cardiovascular drugs, diagnostic agents,sympathomimetics, cholinomimetics, antimuscarinics, antispasmodics,hormones, growth factors, muscle relaxants, adrenergic neuron blockers,antineoplastics, immunogenic agents, immunosuppressants,gastrointestinal drugs, diuretics, steroids, lipids,lipopolysaccharides, polysaccharides, and enzymes. It is also intendedthat combinations of therapeutic agents may be used.

Other therapeutic agents which may be in the present disclosure include:local anesthetics; non-steroidal antifertility agents;parasympathomimetic agents; psychotherapeutic agents; tranquilizers;decongestants; sedative hypnotics; steroids; sulfonamides;sympathomimetic agents; vaccines; vitamins; antimalarials; anti-migraineagents; anti-parkinson agents such as L-dopa; anti-spasmodics;anticholinergic agents (e.g., oxybutynin); antitussives;bronchodilators; cardiovascular agents such as coronary vasodilators andnitroglycerin; alkaloids; analgesics; narcotics such as codeine,dihydrocodeinone, meperidine, morphine and the like; non-narcotics suchas salicylates, aspirin, acetaminophen, d-propoxyphene and the like;opioid receptor antagonists such as naltrexone and naloxone; anti-canceragents; anti-convulsants; anti-emetics; antihistamines;anti-inflammatory agents such as hormonal agents, hydrocortisone,prednisolone, prednisone, non-hormonal agents, allopurinol,indomethacin, phenylbutazone and the like; prostaglandins and cytotoxicdrugs; estrogens; antibacterials; antibiotics; anti-fungals;anti-virals; anticoagulants; anticonvulsants; antidepressants;antihistamines; and immunological agents.

Other examples of suitable therapeutic agents which may be included inthe present disclosure include: viruses and cells; peptides,polypeptides and proteins, as well as analogs, muteins, and activefragments thereof; immunoglobulins; antibodies; cytokines (e.g.,lymphokines, monokines, chemokines); blood clotting factors; hemopoieticfactors; interleukins (IL-2, IL-3, IL-4, IL-6); interferons (β-IFN,(α-IFN and γ-IFN)); erythropoietin; nucleases; tumor necrosis factor;colony stimulating factors (e.g., GCSF, GM-CSF, MCSF); insulin;anti-tumor agents and tumor suppressors; blood proteins; gonadotropins(e.g., FSH, LH, CG, etc.); hormones and hormone analogs (e.g., growthhormone); vaccines (e.g., tumoral, bacterial and viral antigens);somatostatin; antigens; blood coagulation factors; growth factors (e.g.,nerve growth factor, insulin-like growth factor); protein inhibitors;protein antagonists; protein agonists; nucleic acids such as antisensemolecules, DNA, and RNA; oligonucleotides; and ribozymes.

As illustrated in FIG. 2C, a bottom/distal surface 444 of a pledget 440may include an anti-adhesive coating that acts as a barrier layerbetween the tissue fixation device and surrounding tissue to prevent theformation of adhesions, and a top surface 446 of the pledget 440 may besurface treated in order to promote adhesion to tissue. In embodiments,the top surface 446 may include a coating containing tissue reactivefunctional groups for fixation of the pledget 440 to tissue bycrosslinking with reactive groups present in tissue such as primaryamine groups, secondary amine groups, hydroxyl groups, carboxylicgroups, sulfonic groups, combinations thereof, and the like. Such groupsinclude compounds possessing chemistries having some affinity fortissue.

FIGS. 2D and 2E illustrate a distal portion including a pledget havingmechanical means of attachment to tissue. The pledget may includemechanical barbs, grips, hooks, or darts to achieve, or enhance,adhesivity to tissue. As illustrated in FIG. 2D, a pledget 540 mayinclude a mechanical dart 550 including a base portion 552 taperingtoward a sharp tip 554. The base portion 552 includes a larger diameterthan the tip 554 for enhanced tissue fixation. As illustrated in FIG.2E, pledge 640 may including mechanical darts 650 each of which includean arm 652 having a sharp or pointed tip 654 for piercing and grippingtissue.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an exemplary method for fixing a hernia mesh “M”to tissue with a tissue fixation device of the present disclosure. Itshould be understood that embodiments described herein may be generallyinserted into tissue and positioned in a similar manner. The belowdescribed insertion method is applicable to other embodiments describedherein. As illustrated in FIG. 3A, tissue fixation device 100 a isdelivered to a surgical site and positioned with the elongated body 110and proximal portion 120 extending through the tissue “T”, and thedistal portion 330 abutting hernia mesh “M”. The tissue fixation device100 a may be delivered to the surgical site using a conventionalsuturing device, such as an Endo Close™ Single Use Suturing Device,commercially available from Covidien. For example, the tissue fixationdevice 100 a may be hooked through a portion of a stylet of the EndoClose™ device and drawn within the cannula of the device. The EndoClose™ device may then be inserted through the tissue and released underthe fascia without the need for a sharp piercing tip on the proximalportion of the tissue fixation device.

After the tissue fixation device 100 a is delivered through the tissue“T”, a clinician may pull up on the proximal portion 120 of the tissuefixation device 100 a such that the distal portion 330 is compressedagainst the hernia mesh “M” and tissue “T”, as illustrated in FIG. 3B.The barbs 334 located on the distal portion 330 of the tissue fixationdevice 300 adhere to the hernia mesh “M” and/or tissue “T”, fixing thedistal portion 330 thereagainst. The clinician may then cut the proximalportion 120, or a portion of the elongated body 110, for example, alongcut line “C”, allowing the tissue fixation device 100 a to hold thehernia mesh “M” against tissue “T” without compressing the tissue “T”with a suture knot, as required by traditional devices. In embodiments,the proximal portion 120 may be formed from a biodegradable material andthe distal portion 330 may be formed from a non-degradable material toaid in patient comfort by limiting the mass of the tissue fixationdevice within the tissue while retaining fixation integrity of thehernia mesh “M”.

The loop of a tissue fixation device may, alternatively or additionally,include sections of reduced diameter to account for bending moments inthe distal portion during use. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4,tissue fixation device 100 b includes a distal portion 130 a in whichthe loop 132 a includes notches 136 in a surface thereof to increaseflexibility of the loop and/or to preferentially bend or fold the loop.

With reference now to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the size of the loop of a tissuefixation device in accordance with the present disclosure may beadjustable. Tissue fixation device 700 is substantially similar totissue fixation device 100 and will therefore only be described asrelated to differences therebetween. Tissue fixation device 700 includesa distal portion 730 that is slidably disposed along elongated body 710.The distal portion 730 is configured as a loop 732 in which terminaldistal end 732 c is contiguous with a terminal end of the elongated body710, and the first and second segments 732 a and 732 b are joined at aproximal end to form an unattached ring 735 that is translatable alongthe elongated body 710. The loop 732 is configured to move from a firstposition in which the loop is expanded, as shown in FIG. 5A, and asecond position in which the loop is compressed, as illustrated in FIG.5B. Accordingly, as a clinician pulls up on the tissue fixation device700, once placed in tissue, the ring 735 slides down the elongated body710 and into the compressed configuration of FIG. 5B.

The elongated body of the tissue fixation device of the presentdisclosure may be provided in a variety of configurations. The elongatedbody may include body sections having a structure, such as barbs and/ormulti-filaments segments, that is different from that of themonofilament structure of FIG. 1. The body sections may extend along theentire length of the elongated body, or along portion(s) thereof. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 6A, an elongated body 210 a may includea body section 211 a including barbs 212 a extending along the entirelength thereof to aid in fixing the tissue fixation device withintissue. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 6B, a body section211 b including barbs 212 b may be provided on a portion of theelongated body 210 b. And in other embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.6C, a body section 211 c including barbs 212 c may be provided in spacedintervals along the length of the elongated body 210 c. As describedabove with respect to the barbs of the distal portion of the tissuefixation device, the barbs 212 of the elongated body 210 may also beprovided with any barb configuration (e.g., single or compound), in anypattern thereon.

FIGS. 6D-6K illustrate exemplary embodiments of other body sections thatmay be incorporated into an elongated body of the present disclosure. Asillustrated in FIG. 6D, for example, a body section 311 a may include acombination of barbed and unbarbed filaments 314 that are substantiallyseparate and in spaced relation to each other along a majority of thelength thereof, and united only at pre-defined points 316 positioned atopposed terminal ends of the body section 311 a. The filaments 314 maybe bonded, welded, fused, knotted, braided, twisted, entangled, orotherwise joined at the pre-defined points 316. FIG. 6E differs fromFIG. 6D in that all of the filaments 314 of the elongated body 310 b inFIG. 6E include barbs 312.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 6F-6K, filaments may becommingled along the length of a body section. FIG. 6F illustrates abody section 411 a including a plurality of filaments 414 each includingbarbs 412 in a braided configuration. FIG. 6G illustrates a body section411 b including a plurality of filaments 414 that intersect at least oneother filament at pre-defined points 416 along the length of the bodysection 411 b. As shown, all filaments 414 intersect at pre-definedpoints 416 that are substantially evenly spaced along the length of thebody section 411 b. In other embodiments, the pre-defined points may beunevenly spaced along the length of the body section. As shown in FIG.6H, for example, varying the spacing between pre-defined points 416 mayprovide the body section 411 c with a tapered or varied shape along thelength thereof.

FIG. 61 illustrates a body section 511 a including a plurality offilaments 514 including a central filament 514 a and at least one outerfilament 514 b. The outer filament 514 b is joined to the centralfilament 514 a at pre-defined points 516 therealong, such as by fusingthe central filament 514 a and the outer filament 514 b together. Thecentral filament 514 a is illustrated as being free of barbs and theouter filaments 514 b as including barbs 512. In embodiments, thecentral filament 514 a may be formed from a non-absorbable material andthe outer filaments 514 b may be formed from an absorbable material. Insome embodiments, the central filament 514 a may have a larger diameterthan the outer filaments 514 b. In other embodiments, as illustrated inFIG. 6J, the shape of the body section 511 b may be varied by varyingthe length of the outer filaments 514 b provided between the pre-definedpoints 516.

FIG. 6K illustrates an elongated body 610 including a central filament614 a and an outer filament 614 b twisted around the central filament614 a. As illustrated, the central filament 614 is free of barbs and theouter filament 614 b includes barbs 612, however, it is envisioned thatany barbed/unbarbed configuration of filaments may be utilized. Itshould be understood that the body section may include any number ofbarbed and/or unbarbed filaments that are gathered in a variety ofconfigurations. The filaments may all be fabricated from the same ordifferent materials, and be of the same or different cross-sectionaldiameter or size.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the proximal portion 120 is illustrated as alongitudinally extending segment terminating in an unsharpened tip 122.The proximal portion of the tissue fixation device may also be providedin a variety of other configurations having a blunted tip, such as thatshown in FIG. 7A. As illustrated in FIG. 7A, a proximal portion 220 maybe formed into a loop 222. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, a proximal portion320 may terminate in a cap 324. The cap may be formed from any polymericand/or metallic material as described above, and in embodiments in whichthe elongated body is formed from a plurality of filaments, may beutilized to gather and crimp the filament together at a terminal endthereof.

In embodiments, the cap may be formed from a magnetic material, such asthose described above in reference to the pledget of the distal portion.

In embodiments, the cap may include indicia, such as shapes, symbols,numerals, text, among other markings, for identifying the proximalportion of the tissue fixation device. FIG. 7D illustrates a proximalportion 520 including a cap 524 including indicia 526. The indicia maybe in any shape and size to provide a visibly distinguishable mark orpattern on the proximal portion of the tissue fixation device. Inembodiments, indicia may be applied by utilizing ink that may bevisualized under visible, infrared, ultraviolet, and/or by otherwavelengths of light. In some embodiments, dyes may be utilized. Dyesinclude, but are not limited to, carbon black, bone black, FD&C Blue #1,FD&C Blue #2, FD&C Blue #3, FD&C Blue #6, D&C Green #6, D&C Violet #2,methylene blue, indocyanine green, other colored dyes, and combinationsthereof It is envisioned that visualization agents may also be used,such as fluorescent compounds (e.g., fluorescein or eosin), x-raycontrast agents (e.g., iodinated compounds), ultrasonic contrast agents,and MRI contrast agents (e.g., Gadolinium containing compounds). Avariety of applicators within the purview of those skilled in the artmay be used to apply the indicia, including, for example, syringes,droppers, markers or pen-like applicators, brushes, sponges, patches,combinations thereof, and the like.

FIG. 7E illustrates a proximal portion 620 including a cap 624 having aring 622 extending proximally therefrom. A ring 622 may be utilized toaid a clinician in pulling a tissue fixation device up through tissue,as described above with respect to the exemplary method of using atissue fixation device as described above.

Persons skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methodsspecifically described herein, and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, are non-limiting exemplary embodiments. It is envisioned thatthe elements and features illustrated or described in connection withone exemplary embodiment may be combined with the elements and featuresof another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.As well, one skilled in the art will appreciate further features andadvantages of the disclosed devices and methods based on theabove-described embodiments. As such, further modifications andequivalents of the invention herein disclosed can occur to personsskilled in the art using no more than routine experimentation, and allsuch modifications and equivalents are believed to be within the spiritand scope of the disclosure as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tissue fixation device comprising a proximalportion including a blunt tip, an elongated body extending between theproximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including abarbed loop.
 2. The tissue fixation device of claim 1, wherein theproximal portion is free of barbs.
 3. The tissue fixation device ofclaim 1, wherein the proximal portion includes a loop.
 4. The tissuefixation device of claim 3, wherein the loop is free of barbs.
 5. Thetissue fixation device of claim 1, wherein the proximal portion includesa cap.
 6. The tissue fixation device of claim 5, wherein the cap ismagnetic.
 7. The tissue fixation device of claim 5, wherein a ringextends from a proximal end of the cap.
 8. The tissue fixation device ofclaim 1, wherein the distal portion includes a pledget.
 9. The tissuefixation device of claim 8, wherein the pledget includes a proximalsurface and a distal surface, the proximal surface including at leastone dart extending proximally therefrom.
 10. The tissue fixation deviceof claim 8, wherein the pledget is disposed at a distal-most end of thebarbed loop.
 11. The tissue fixation device of claim 8, wherein thepledget includes at least one pair of spaced openings, and the barbedloop is laced through the openings.
 12. The tissue fixation device ofclaim 1, wherein the barbed loop is configured to move from a firstposition in which the barbed loop is open and a second position in whichthe barbed loop is closed.
 13. The tissue fixation device of claim 12,wherein the barbed loop includes a distal portion that is fixed to theelongated body, and a proximal portion that defines an unfixed ringtranslatable along to the elongated body.
 14. The tissue fixation deviceof claim 1, wherein the elongated body is a monofilament structure. 15.The tissue fixation device of claim 1, wherein the elongated bodyincludes barbs.
 16. The tissue fixation device of claim 1, wherein theelongated body includes a plurality of filaments.
 17. The tissuefixation device of claim 16, wherein the plurality of filaments are oneof twisted, braided, intertwined, and entangled.
 18. The tissue fixationdevice of claim 1, wherein the elongated body includes a centralfilament defining a central axis and at least one barbed filamentsecured to the central filament at pre-determined points along thecentral axis.
 19. The tissue fixation device of claim 18, wherein the atleast one filament is twisted around the central filament.
 20. Thetissue fixation device of claim 1, wherein a terminal distal end of theloop is free of barbs.